Abarth News

KTM's X-bow will form the underpinnings and running gear for Abarth's limited edition, mid-engined two-seater due out in 2013 according to senior sources in the Italian company.

It's claimed that Abarth will receive rolling chassis from the Austrian manufacturer and then install its own MultiAir 1.8-liter turbo engine producing 180-190 bhp and transmission plus unique interior and exterior design and trim.

With a suggested price tag of £$67,000 to $80,000 a number of business cases are being studied: it could be a low volume, 1500-2000 a year, production run or a limited edition with production spread over two-three years.

Sources confirmed Abarth had been in discussion with Lotus about using the Elise chassis and running gear, but its relatively old technology – it dates back to the mid-1990s – and comparatively high price persuaded Abarth to look elsewhere.

Abarth's management has ambitious plans for the brand that include a 500C based speedster scheduled to appear before KTM based car.

It has even been hinted that Abarth could migrate to other brands within the Fiat empire, although it's more likely that the tuning kits and parts would be re-branded in the case of Alfa Romeo, "Having Abarth and Cloverleaf makes no sense, but Alfa could resurrect the Autodelta badge," it was suggested. Today Autodelta is used by a UK-based independent tuning shop.

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